Skipper Sam Warburton will return to captain Wales against New Zealand on Saturday - while Rhys Priestland returns at outside-half.

Skipper Sam Warburton will return to captain Wales against New Zealand on Saturday - while Rhys Priestland returns at outside-half.

Scarlets fly-half Priestland, whose performances at No.10 have been the subject of intense scrutiny, has got the nod over James Hook to start as playmaker, while Justin Tipuric drops to the bench to make way for World Cup captain Warburton.

Up front, Gethin Jenkins is once again left out in favour of Paul James, Matthew Rees replaces shoulder injury victim Richard Hibbard at hooker, and Luke Charteris partners Bradley Davies in the second row.

"It's an honour to be playing the World Champions at the Millennium Stadium this weekend," said Gatland.

"Memories of the Rugby World Cup and touring New Zealand the previous summer are still fresh in the mind of many of the players and staff.

"The hospitality shown and the way we were looked after made the experience especially memorable and that makes it all the more special that we have the opportunity to face the best side in the world at the moment in Cardiff.

"This New Zealand team is one of the best rugby sides to have ever played the game and probably the best All Blacks team ever, so it will be a privilege to be able to test ourselves against them.

"No one is more disappointed than the players and the coaches with how things have gone in the last two weeks, but those supporters who have been with us over the last 18 months know, just as we do, that we are a better side than we have displayed so far and we will be looking to show that on Saturday."

James Hook will have to settle for a place on the bench, alongside fellow backs Tavis Knoyle and Scott Williams, while Jenkins, Tipuric, Scott Andrews, Ken Owens and Aaron Shingler will provide forward cover.

Previous Articles

Grand Slams have been the triggers for some fairly seismic shifts in past Welsh rugby landscapes, so as the 2012 autumn campaign looms we probably shouldn’t be surprised that there are disturbing rumblings.

WalesOnline is part of Media Wales, publisher of the Western Mail, South Wales Echo, Wales on Sunday and the seven Celtic weekly titles, offering you unique access to our audience across Wales online and in print.